Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has approved a new monthly stipend ranging from N250,000 to N350,000 for traditional rulers in the state.
This is a significant increase from the previous payments, which ranged from N25,000 to N50,000, a figure many considered insufficient for the responsibilities of the traditional institution.
The new pay structure, effective December 2024, reflects the administration’s recognition of the critical role traditional rulers play in fostering peace, security, and development in their communities.
Governor Otti also approved a N150,000 Christmas package for over 500 traditional rulers to support their festive celebrations.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mba, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, describing the increase as historic and unprecedented. “No former Governor in the state has so honored the traditional institution like Governor Otti,” he stated in a press release.
The traditional rulers also prayed for the Governor’s continued good health, wisdom, and resources to sustain his administration’s transformative agenda. They pledged to work with the government to maintain peace and security in their respective domains.
Governor Otti’s move marks a significant departure from previous administrations, which were criticized for neglecting traditional rulers. In past years, traditional leaders repeatedly complained about poor welfare packages, but this new policy now positions them as key partners in governance.
As part of the reforms, members of the Council of Traditional Rulers at the state level will receive an additional N100,000 monthly, with the same increment extended to traditional rulers at the local government level.